Judaism pracitices

• Synagogue

  Building where Jews meet for worship, study, social activities and charitable events. Also where they celebrate festivals and rites of passage
• Menorah


  many branched candlestick
• Star of David

  Six pointed star which represents king David, who ruled israel in the tenth century
• How are Synagogues identifiable

  Use of Jewish symbols e.g:

  • Menorah
  • Star of David
• Different names for the synagogue

  • Shul (school)
  • Beit K'nesset (house of assembly)
  • Temple (reform jews sometimes call it this)
• Why do some reform Jews call the synagogue temple


  Reference to temple in Jerusalem
• 4 important activities in the synagogue

  • Worship and prayer
  • Social activities
  • Education
  • Charitable events
• Worship and prayer

  • Synagogue provides a space for worship and communal prayer
  • Although Jews can pray anywhere, they believe that it is good to pray together in a group
  • Certain prayers can only be said in the presence of a group like the Minyan - group of 10 adults
  • Services are regularly held in the synagogue for Jews to pray and worship together
• Education

  • Synagouge helps to educate Jews of all ages in their faith
  • Synagogues may provide classes in hebrew for young Jews to help them learn the language used in Jewish prayer
  • Most synagogues have a library which helps older Jews to continue improving their understanding of the faith and its scriptures
• Social activities

  • Most synagogues host a variety of different activities for children, teenagers and adults in their social hall
  • Examples include youth clubs, music or drama groups and groups for senior citizens
  • The synagogue provides a place to discuss matters that are important to the community
• Charitable events

  • Synagogue helps Jews to donate their time and money to charity
  • Synagogues often hold events to raise money for charity
  • They also collect money or other items to be given to charity or distributed among the poor and needy
• Aron Hakodesh (Ark)

  • Cabinet where Torah scrolls are kept
  • Situated at front of synagogye usually on the wall facing Jerusalem
  • Reached by climbing up some steps
  • Two stone tablets placed above Ark, on which the start of each of the 10 commandments is written
• Significance of the Aron Hakodesh

  • Holiest place in the synagogue
  • Represents the original ark of the covenant which was built to hold the stone tablets which contained the 10 commandments which God gave to Moses
  • First ark was taken to Jerusalem and placed in the temple built by King Solomon. Focal point of worship in early Judaism
  • When Jews face the ark today, they face the city where the temple once stood
  • By climbing up stairs to reach ark, jews are reminded the God is above his people and the sacred torah is above humanity
• Ner Tamid

  • Everlasting light placed in front of and slightly above the ark
  • Traditionally and oil lamp but most synagogues now use electric lights (with emergency power source in case of power cut)
• Significance of Ner Tamid

  • Symbolises God's presence so it is never put out
  • Reminder of the menorah which was lit every night in the Temple in Jerusalem
• Bimah

  • Reading platform (usually in the centre of the prayer hall) where the Torah is read from
• Significance of Bimah

  • Provides focal point where the Torah is being read, making it easier for congregation to see the reader and hear what is being said
  • To some Jews it is a reminder that the altar was the central feature of the courtyard in the temple in Jerusalem
• Prayer Hall

  • Room in synagogue where Jews come together for communal worship and prayer
  • Usually rectangular in shape, with seats on three sides of the hall facing inwards towards the bimah, the forth side is where the ark is kept which is the focal point of the synagogue
  • May be decorated with patterns, Jewish symbols or extracts from scripture. There are no images of God, prophets or other religious figures as this goes against second commandment
• Ark


  Holiest part of the synagogue where Torah scrolls are kept
• Amidah


  Standing prayer and a central prayer in Judaism
• Shabbat


  Jewish holy day. Day of spiritual renewal starting before Friday sunset and ending saturday sunset
• Tenakh


  24 books of Jewish Scriptures split into Law, prophets and Writings
• Talmud


  Commentary by the Rabbis on the Torah
• Brit Milah


  Ceremony of male circumcision : removal of foreskin for religious reasons
• Kosher


  Food that meets the requirements of the Jewish law
• Rosh Hashanah


  Jewish New Year
• Pesach / Passover


  Festival which Jews remember the Jewish exodus from slavery by Moses
• Orthodox is the traditional branch of judaism


  Reform is a type of progressive judaism
• Orthodox Jews emphasise the importance of strictly following the Torah


  Reform Jews emphasise the importance of individual choice in deciding how to worship and practise the faith
• Orthodox believe Torah was given directly to Moses by God so should be followed as closely as possible


  Reform Jews believe Torah was inspired by God but written by humans, so it can be adapted for modern times
• Orthodox Jews believe men and women should have different roles


  Reform Jews believe men and women should be able to undertake the same roles
• Currently all Orthodox Rabbis are male although there are women who are working towards greater equality


  Reform Jews women can become Rabbis or join in with the minyan
• Rabbi


  Jewish religous teacher and leader
• Cantor


  Person who leads or chants prayers in the synagogue
• Orthodox synagogues hold daily services


  Reform synagogues often focus on celebrating Shabbat and festivals
• Orthodox services are in Hebrew


  Reform services are in Hebrew AND local language
• Orthodox : person leading service has back to congregation, facing the ark


  Reform : Person leading service faces congregation most of the time
• Orthodox : Men and women sit separately


  Reform : Men and women sit together
• Orthodox : Some congregation may arrive late and catch up at their own pace


  Reform : Services are shorter than Orthodox ones but tend to be more rigidly structured ; there is a set time and worshippers usually present at the start
• Orthodox : Men cover heads by wearing a skull cap and married women cover their heads by wearing a hat or scarf. This shows respect for God and recognition he is above humanity


  Reform : Most men wear a skull cap and some women do too (or they may wear a hat)